Tottenham extends Premier League lead with 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace
Posted : 28 October 2023
Tottenham's Premier League reign continued with a 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, establishing a five-point lead at the top. Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, the Australian manager, Spurs have enjoyed a remarkable start, amassing 26 points from their first 10 games, a Premier League record for a new manager. The first half was somewhat uneventful, but the second half saw Spurs spring into action with Joel Ward's own goal and Son Heung-min's strike securing the crucial points. Jordan Ayew managed to pull one back in stoppage time for Palace, but it was too little, too late.
Tottenham's dominance at the top of the Premier League hasn't been seen since their last league title victory in 1960-61. While a title challenge may seem distant, the absence of European competition provides Postecoglou's team with boundless potential and energy. After their last game on Monday, the former Celtic boss wasn't entirely satisfied with their performance, despite a 2-0 win over Fulham. Spurs took time to find their rhythm, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made a crucial save to deny Odsonne Edouard an early goal.
James Maddison's acquisition has played a pivotal role in Tottenham's transformation under Postecoglou, offsetting the loss of Harry Kane. In the second half, spurred by Postecoglou's halftime talk, Spurs displayed greater intensity. Maddison's low shot across the goal led to an own goal by Ward. Postecoglou's strategic introduction of Brennan Johnson, a former Nottingham Forest winger, proved fruitful as he provided the assist for Son's eighth goal of the season.
Tottenham also had a poignant moment as midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in February. Ayew's sensational strike in the 94th minute was just Palace's second goal in their last six games. Despite surviving a VAR check for a potential handball, Ayew's goal added intensity to the final moments. Palace had one final opportunity with virtually the last kick of the game, but Spurs held firm to navigate 12 minutes of stoppage time.
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